The Best Hotels Near O'Hare for Incredible Runway & Airplane Views
Hey everyone, if you're anything like me, the thrill of being near a major airport isn't about the stress of catching a flight—it's about the sheer awe of watching those incredible flying machines take to the skies. There’s something absolutely magical about seeing a 747 gracefully lift off or an A380 descend like a gentle giant. & for plane lovers, a hotel room with a view of the runway is pretty much the ultimate getaway.
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world, which means it’s a goldmine for plane spotting. The constant parade of domestic & international traffic is a sight to behold. But where can you get the best views without getting hassled by security? Turns out, some of the airport hotels are not only convenient for travel but are also PERFECT for a weekend of aviation immersion.
I’ve done a deep dive into the best hotels near O’Hare that offer those coveted runway views. Whether you're a seasoned aviation photographer or just someone who gets a kick out of watching planes, this guide is for you.
The Undisputed Champion: Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport
Let's just get this out of the way: if you want the absolute best, no-questions-asked, front-row seat to the action at O'Hare, the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport is it. Honestly, it's in a league of its own. It's the only hotel located directly on the airport grounds, connected to Terminals 1, 2, & 3 via an underground walkway. You can't get any closer without a boarding pass.
What makes it so special for plane spotters?
The Views: This place is legendary among aviation enthusiasts. For the most spectacular views, you'll want to request an even-numbered room on a high floor. We're talking floor-to-ceiling, soundproofed windows that look out over the American Airlines piers & the southern runways. From these rooms, you can see multiple runways in action, with planes taxiing, taking off, & landing. Some spotters have reported rooms like 10066, 10050, & 9070 as being particularly good.
Aviation Enthusiast Friendly: The hotel is well aware of its appeal to plane spotters. It's recommended that when you check in, you let the front desk know that you're there to watch the planes. This helps avoid any misunderstandings with security, as your room will be in full view of the control tower.
Hilton Honors Perks: If you're a Hilton Honors member (it's free to join), you might get some extra perks. Some members have reported being able to check in early & check out late, maximizing their plane-spotting time. Plus, the 10th floor is often reserved for members, giving you access to the best views in the house.
Convenience: Being right at the airport means you don't have to worry about shuttles or taxis. This is especially great if you're flying in for your spotting trip. If you're driving in for a "staycation," finding affordable & convenient parking can be a hassle. That’s where a service like Prked comes in handy. You can book a private driveway or garage space near the airport from a local homeowner, which can be a much more affordable option than the official airport garages.
Now, the Hilton isn't the cheapest option, with prices fluctuating depending on the day of the week. Weekends tend to be a bit more affordable than weekdays. & while the on-site dining can be pricey, the unparalleled views are what you're really paying for.
Other Excellent Options with Great Views
While the Hilton might be the king, it's not the only castle with a view. Several other nearby hotels offer fantastic sightlines of the runways & taxiways.
The Westin O'Hare
Located in Rosemont, just a stone's throw from the airport, The Westin O'Hare is another solid choice for plane lovers. They specifically advertise "Premium, High Floor" guest rooms that offer either a view of the distant Chicago skyline or, more importantly, O'Hare's runways.
The Westin also boasts soundproof windows, which is a HUGE plus. You get all the visual excitement without the jet engine soundtrack interrupting your sleep. They also have a complimentary airport shuttle, making it an easy option for travelers.
Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare
Another gem in the Rosemont area, the Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare is frequently mentioned in aviation forums. The key here is to get a west-facing room on a high floor. From this vantage point, you'll have great views of the north runways & the cargo area. Spotters have even pinpointed specific room ranges, like XX25-XX05, as having the best views.
Like the Westin, the Sheraton offers a convenient location with easy airport access. It’s a great alternative if you're looking for a slightly different perspective of the airport's operations.
Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago
The Hyatt Regency O'Hare offers something a little different that's pretty cool for plane spotters: balconies. They have rooms with private balconies that offer views of the airport, the surrounding forest preserves, & the Rosemont area. Imagine sitting outside with your morning coffee, watching the morning rush of departures. That’s a pretty unique experience.
Their "2 Double Beds Private Balcony" rooms are specifically mentioned as having airport views. While the view might not be as direct as the Hilton's, the addition of a balcony is a major selling point for many.
Beyond the Hotel Room: Other O'Hare Spotting Locations
If you want to get out & explore, there are several well-known spotting locations around the airport perimeter. These spots are popular with local aviation photographers & enthusiasts.
Schiller Park Metra Station: This is a popular public spot for watching planes land on runway 28C. It has a large parking lot & offers a great vantage point.
The "Gravel Driveway" off 28C: A spot highly recommended by local spotters, this gravel driveway at the end of runway 28C offers an incredible view of planes taking off directly overhead.
Delta Cargo Parking Lot: This is another popular location that gets you up close to the action on runway 10C/28C.
It's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings & respect any posted signs or restrictions when you're spotting outside of your hotel.
What You'll See: The Aircraft of O'Hare
O'Hare is a major hub for both American Airlines & United Airlines, so you'll see a TON of their aircraft, from smaller regional jets to massive wide-body planes. But the fun doesn't stop there. O'Hare is a major international gateway, so you can expect to see a diverse range of airlines & aircraft from all over the world.
Keep your eyes peeled for:
- European Carriers: Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Air France & more are common sights.
- Asian & Middle Eastern Airlines: You'll likely see planes from All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines, Emirates, & Etihad.
- Cargo Giants: O'Hare has a massive cargo operation, so you'll see plenty of freighters from FedEx, UPS, & other cargo airlines. This includes aircraft like the Boeing 747 & MD-11.
You'll see everything from the common Boeing 737s & Airbus A320s to the larger 777s, 787s, & A350s. There's always something interesting to see, & with the help of a flight tracking app, you can identify every plane that comes into view.
A Quick Note on Making the Most of Your Trip
- Bring Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars will make a huge difference, allowing you to get a closer look at the details of each aircraft.
- Use a Flight Tracking App: Apps like Flightradar24 are invaluable for identifying planes & knowing what's coming & going.
- Check the Weather: Chicago weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything.
- Consider a "Side Hustle" to Fund Your Hobby: If you live near an airport or a busy area, you could be making some extra cash to fund your plane-spotting adventures. With Prked, you can rent out your unused driveway or garage space to people looking for affordable parking. It's a great way to earn passive income from an asset you already have.
I hope this was helpful for all you fellow aviation geeks out there. There's nothing quite like a weekend spent watching the wonders of modern aviation, & these hotels offer the perfect base for your O'Hare adventure. Let me know what you think, & if you have any other great spotting tips
